Joe Blanton, the sixth starter for now, will probably start on one of the three days the Angels have split-squad games and pitch in the middle innings on other days. If the Angels stick with their projected starting five -- rather than make a change because of injury or ineffectiveness -- Blanton might not make the team.

Angels closer Ernesto Frieri, who was scheduled to pitch one inning Friday, was excused because his wife is due to give birth to the couple's second child. Frieri tweeted a picture of himself, dressed in scrubs, with this caption: "I'm ready to receive my new baby."

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said he hoped to get the starting position players two at-bats each, or four or five innings in the field, on Friday.

The game, against the Chicago Cubs, will be televised on Fox Sports West at noon PT.